Having Automatic Control Means Patents (Class 454/75)
  • Patent number: 8734211
    Abstract: One embodiment of a pressure management system for an aircraft may include a cavity, an opening in a surface of the cavity, and a moveable door. An interior area within the cavity may have an interior pressure and an exterior area outside of the cavity may have an exterior pressure. The door may open to uncover the opening and may close to cover the opening in response to pressure differential between the exterior pressure and the interior pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Clyde R. Tuchimaa, Susan D. Paish
  • Publication number: 20140120820
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing corrosion of a charge air cooler and reducing engine misfire due to condensate formation. In response to charge air cooler outlet temperature, electric fan operation and grille shutter opening is adjusted. Electric fan operation and grille shutter opening may also be controlled in response to vehicle operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Garlan J. Huberts, Gopichandra Surnilla, Daniel Joseph Styles, David Karl Bidner
  • Patent number: 8708078
    Abstract: A shutter system includes a first louver element having a first pivot axis and a second louver element having a second pivot axis. The first louver element is configured to rotate about the first pivot axis, and the second louver element is configured to rotate about the second pivot axis. The shutter system additionally having a flexible drive element connecting the first louver element and the second louver element to thereby substantially synchronize the rotation of the first and second louver elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott P. Charnesky, Brain D. Van Buren, Richard J. Skurkis
  • Publication number: 20140087644
    Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner, even in a case where an air outlet mode is set in which an air outlet switching damper opens a defroster opening so as to blow air from the defroster opening toward an inner surface of a window glass of a vehicle, the air outlet switching damper is controlled to close the defroster opening when a target air temperature TAO is lower than an outside air temperature TAM. Thus, the vehicle air conditioner prevents a fogging of an outer surface of the window glass without decreasing a temperature comfort in a vehicle compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masashi Watanabe, Kouichi Tabei
  • Publication number: 20140080398
    Abstract: An air conditioner ECU can set an external air introducing mode and an internal/external air dual mode. Here, the internal/external air dual mode is set by the air conditioner ECU in cases in which the air conditioner ECU judges that there is a warm-up state that is after a start of a heating operation and in which a blow-out temperature of air conditioned wind is in the process of rising, and in cases in which humidity detected by a humidity sensor exceeds a reference humidity that is set in advance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koichi Tabei, Saburo Sakamoto, Shinichirou Hirai
  • Patent number: 8662968
    Abstract: A thermal conditioning system for the energy storage system of a hybrid vehicle. At least one auxiliary air source, other than a permanently open air source, has a selectively operable actuator door which either connects or disconnects the auxiliary air source to the energy storage system blower, the air flow being selected to optimally temperature condition the energy storage system. The auxiliary air source preferably includes the HVAC ducting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Leffert, Tyler J Pilgeram, Ian L Hanna, Eric L. Mayberry, Jonathan R. Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20140034401
    Abstract: Air is supplied from a passenger cabin of a vehicle to an intake passage between the passenger cabin and a battery of the vehicle. The vehicle may be an electric vehicle such as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) or a battery-only electric vehicle (BEV). A signal indicating a blockage of air flow through the battery is generated in response to a difference in temperature exceeding a predetermined magnitude. The difference in temperature is between (i) the intake passage and (ii) the passenger cabin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jesus Cardoso, Hsiao-An Hsieh, David Hayes, Beth Ann Dalrymple, Jason C. Marcath, Michael Schamber
  • Publication number: 20140038507
    Abstract: A system for controlling an aerodynamic shutter of a vehicle includes an ambient temperature estimation module that determines an ambient temperature. A shutter control module that determines whether to actuate the shutter based on the ambient temperature. The shutter control module also determines a predetermined period before selectively applying a predetermined torque value to the shutter. The predetermined period is selected based on the ambient temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Abeska, David J. Verbrugge, Scott P. Charnesky, John C. Remy, Brian A. Macfarlane, John F. Larsen, David W. Turner
  • Patent number: 8645028
    Abstract: A grille control mechanism for a vehicle includes a movable member being switchable between an opened position for allowing air to flow into a radiator of the vehicle and a closed position for inhibiting the air from flowing into the radiator, an electric motor actuating the movable member, and a control device controlling an electric current to be supplied to the electric motor to execute an opening operation or a closing operation of the movable member in a case where an opening operation condition or a closing operation condition is satisfied, wherein the control device controlling the electric current to be intermittently supplied in response to one of the opening operation condition and the closing operation condition maintained until the other one of the opening operation condition and the closing operation condition is satisfied after the opening operation or the closing operation corresponding to the maintained operation condition is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroki Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 8633424
    Abstract: An HVAC system for a work vehicle having an operator compartment for a vehicle operator, the system including a heating system, a compartment pressurizer blower, a compartment recirculation blower, a temperature sensor, and an operating mode switch, each operably coupled to an electronic circuit, wherein the circuit is configured to reduce pressurizer blower output when the operator selects high output from the heating system under certain predetermined temperature and conditions and operating modes to improve HVAC system performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Leonid Chernyavsky, William H. Adamson, Alan G. Leupold, Nicholas J. Prenger, Mark D. Klassen, Michael C. Bunnel
  • Publication number: 20140004782
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling ventilation of a passenger compartment of a vehicle. An intake vent may be opened to allow ambient air to enter the passenger compartment and an exhaust vent may be opened to allow cabin air to exit the passenger compartment when the cabin air temperature is greater than the adjusted ambient air temperature value and a precipitation condition is not present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Clay Wesley Maranville, Paul Bryan Hoke
  • Publication number: 20130344788
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus to control climate in multiple zones of a passenger cabin of a vehicle are provided. The system includes a control unit having a receiving unit configured to receive signals from a plurality of microphones associated with each zone of the multiple zones. A determining unit is configured to determine an active microphone from the plurality of microphones based on from which microphone a strongest of the signals was received and to determine an active zone as the zone with which the active microphone is associated. The control unit further includes a fan operating unit configured to control a plurality of fans of the climate control system and to reduce a speed of the at least one fan associated with the active zone in response to the signal received from the active microphone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Gary M. Buch, Jesse T. Gratke, Nathan D. Ampunan, Douglas C. Martin, Bassam S. Shahmurad
  • Publication number: 20130327581
    Abstract: A divided dual inlet housing for an air-based hybrid battery thermal conditioning system which is configured such that HVAC air entering at the HVAC air inlet is prevented from partly backflowing out the cabin air inlet via a dividing wall disposed therein so that all the HVAC air exits the divided dual inlet housing at the air outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Foos, Ronald A. Swartz, Brooksie J. Pollack, Teresa A. Walczyk
  • Publication number: 20130324024
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for climate control in an operator's cabin of a construction machine, in particular a crane, wherein the actual temperature of the air in the cabin is detected and the characteristics—in particular the volume flow, direction and/or temperature—of the air supplied to the cabin are automatically controlled on the basis of the detected actual temperature and a particular target temperature, wherein the target temperature is automatically determined on the basis of at least one variable which affects the thermal comfort of the cabin personnel. The present invention also relates to a climate control device for the cabin of a construction machine, in particular a crane comprising such a climate control device, which is configured to perform such a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Olaf Remmers, Martin R. Stander, John Fremont Benton, Eilt-lhnke Janssen
  • Publication number: 20130316633
    Abstract: A system for preventing inflow of exhaust gas for a vehicle, may include an inside/outside air door provided in an air conditioning device of the vehicle and controlling an amount of outside air introduced into an inside of the vehicle, an outside-air temperature sensor measuring a temperature of the outside air of the vehicle, a temperature control door disposed inside the air conditioning device of the vehicle and controlling a temperature of air discharged to the inside of the vehicle, and a control unit controlling the inside/outside air door to cause an amount of the outside air to be introduced to the inside when a vehicle speed may be equal to or larger than a predetermined speed, wherein the control unit controls the temperature control door to control the temperature of the air discharged to the inside when the temperature of the outside air deviates from a predetermined temperature range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corp., Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Moo Yong Kim, Jun Kyu Park, Dong Won Yeon
  • Publication number: 20130288585
    Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring for a clogged or unclogged state of an air filter in an automotive HVAC system. The HVAC system includes a blower having a blower motor providing a driven airflow. A plurality of outlet registers is controllable to provide a plurality of circulation modes. An evaporator selectably cools the driven airflow, and the air filter passes the driven airflow. The method enters a baseline condition, wherein the baseline condition includes applying a moisture purge to the evaporator and selection of a predetermined circulation mode. The blower motor is controlled to maintain a testing speed. An energization of the blower motor is quantified while maintaining the testing speed. The energization is compared to a base value derived according to the baseline condition with the air filter in an unclogged state. A replacement action is triggered when the energization is greater than the base value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Paul B. Hoke, William S. Johnston, James R. Hurd
  • Patent number: 8563151
    Abstract: An electric vehicle is provided with a cell voltage sensor (32) and a cell temperature sensor (31) which are mounted to each of a plurality of cells (21); a gas temperature sensor (33), a carbon monoxide gas sensor (34), and a hydrogen gas sensor (35) which are mounted to a chamber (27); a gas temperature sensor (36), a carbon monoxide gas sensor (37), and a hydrogen gas sensor (38) which are mounted to a gas exhaust passage (28); and an air-conditioning fan (17), a channel-switching damper (19), and a driving motor (42) which lowers a window glass (41). When battery state values detected by the sensors (31) to (38) exceed predetermined thresholds, a battery pack (20) is judged to be abnormal. Then, the channel-switching damper (19) and the air-conditioning fan (17) are started and the window glass (41) is lowered to ventilate the vehicle interior. This speedily exhausts smoke generated from a lithium ion battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junichi Matsumoto, Teruo Ishishita
  • Patent number: 8555660
    Abstract: An operation unit for a vehicle air conditioner includes a display device, a setting input portion of a control parameter of the air conditioner other than a set temperature, an obtaining portion configured to obtain a present set value of the control parameter, and an operating state identification portion configured to identify whether an air-conditioning operating state is in a plurality of predetermined operating states of the air conditioner. In the operation unit, a moving pattern of a pointer of the display device is changed according to the operating state of the air conditioner. For example, a pointer operation control portion can be configured to control an operation of a pointer driving motor such that the pointer moves on a dial of the display device at different moving speeds according to the air-conditioning operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenichi Takenaka, Kuniharu Kutsuna, Kazumutsu Azuma, Hiroki Iwashita, Yuji Kawamoto
  • Publication number: 20130267157
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preventing an exhaust inflow, including: a measurement step of measuring a concentration of exhaust introduced into an interior of a vehicle through an exhaust detecting sensor installed in the interior of the vehicle, and comparing the concentration of the exhaust with a reference concentration; an introduction step of controlling an interior/exterior air door of an air conditioning apparatus to introduce more exterior air into the interior of the vehicle so as to increase an interior pressure when the concentration of the introduced exhaust is thicker than the reference concentration; and a blowing step of controlling a blower of the air conditioning apparatus to increase an amount of air discharged into the interior of the vehicle to increase the interior pressure when the thick concentration of the exhaust is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corp., Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jun Kyu Park, Moo Yong KIM
  • Patent number: 8550886
    Abstract: A ventilation device is for ventilating a motor vehicle interior. The ventilation device comprises an air supply channel and an outflow region. The outflow region is provided with a first component and a second component which can be brought into at least one first state of displacement and a second state of displacement in relation to each other, in order to generate a first air flow and a different second air flow. The first component and the second component have a first lamella structure and a second lamella structure, according to the state of displacement, for producing a first air flow and a second air flow with different opening angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Mike Kogler, Younes Chlyeh
  • Publication number: 20130252525
    Abstract: A method of controlling the ventilation system for an energy source in a fuel cell vehicle is disclosed, which includes an HVAC system, a fluid reserve, and a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), capable of controlling a temperature of the RESS to militate against damage to or a shortened life of the battery, while maximizing vehicle durability, efficiency, performance, and passenger comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Peter Kilian, Remy Fontaine, Sebastian Lienkamp
  • Patent number: 8528832
    Abstract: A system that supplements the cooling of the power train of the vehicle and maintains the vehicle's cabin temperature. The system includes an processor, a blower, a heater core, and an evaporator. The blower blows air over the heater core so as to make the heater core in essence an auxiliary radiator. The system further includes a first proportioning valve and a second proportioning valve. The proportioning valves are operable by the processor to control the flow of the dissipated heat between the vehicle cabin and a designated location. Specifically, the first proportioning valve is disposed upstream the heater core and is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The second proportioning valve is disposed downstream the heater core and directs airflow from the heater core between the vehicle cabin and the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan K. Williams, Eric F. Bursch, Edgar A. Vargas-Castañeda, Don Federico
  • Publication number: 20130231035
    Abstract: An active airflow control system for an aircraft includes an air conditioning system, an air conditioning controller configured to control operation of the air conditioning system, a plurality of flow control devices in fluid communication with the air conditioning system and in signal communication with the air conditioning controller, wherein the plurality of flow control devices are configured to increase and decrease an amount of air flowing therethrough in response to receiving a controlling signal from the air conditioning controller, and a plurality of zones in fluid communication with the air conditioning system, wherein each zone of the plurality of zones is a pressurized zone of the aircraft, and wherein each zone of the plurality of zones is in fluid communication with at least one flow control device of the plurality of flow control devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: DON DESMARAIS, JOHN M. MALJANIAN, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130213631
    Abstract: An air conditioner for a vehicle equipped with a battery includes an air conditioning unit, and a control unit. The air conditioning unit performs air-conditioning of the vehicle compartment and the control unit controls operation of the air conditioning unit. The control unit restricts the operation of the air conditioning unit when the remaining battery capacity is less than or equal to a predetermined value. Thus, it is possible to ensure running safety while passenger thermal comfort can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: DENSO CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130180682
    Abstract: A wire harness is threaded from a cabin exterior to a cabin interior. A heat releasing hose is provided by integrally mounting a main portion in the wire harness by taping and the like. A first end portion of the heat releasing hose branches from the wire harness within an engine compartment and is connected to a second terminus of an auxiliary hose provided to a lateral surface of a housing unit so as to enable heated air in a vicinity of a heat generator to flow therethrough. A second end portion of the heat releasing hose is positioned in a location in the cabin interior where air can be expelled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: Yasunori IMADA
  • Publication number: 20130167556
    Abstract: A cooling and heating apparatus for vehicle seats and a method of controlling the same, which can control the cooling or heating temperature by sensing the temperature of air before the air is introduced into a cooling and heating module. The apparatus includes: a blower fan installed in a housing so as to forcibly blow cool or hot air to an air supply channel of a vehicle seat; a temperature sensor mounted in the housing at a location at which the temperature sensor comes into contact with sucked air and senses a temperature of the sucked air; and a control unit receiving a temperature signal from the temperature sensor and controlling a cooling or heating temperature according to a characteristic value that corresponds to a state of the sucked air and is selected from characteristic values stored therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: KBAUTOTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kbautotech Co., Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8465350
    Abstract: A method of controlling the ventilation system for an energy source in a fuel cell vehicle is disclosed, which includes an HVAC system, a fluid reserve, and a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), capable of controlling a temperature of the RESS to militate against damage to or a shortened life of the battery, while maximizing vehicle durability, efficiency, performance, and passenger comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Peter Kilian, Remy Fontaine, Sebastain Lienkamp
  • Publication number: 20130137354
    Abstract: A blowing control apparatus for a seat, that includes a blower, and an air hole that is provided in a seating surface and through which air blown from the blower passes, also includes a measuring portion that measures a rotation speed or a current value of the blower as a blower measurement value, and a control portion that determines a degree to which the air hole is obstructed according to the blower measurement value measured by the measuring portion, and controls rotation of the blower by a driving voltage of the blower based on the degree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • Publication number: 20130122796
    Abstract: Disclosed is an inside ventilation system of a vehicle for a driver or an occupant to achieve a more comfortable inside environment in the summer or winter. The inside ventilation system includes a control unit configured to receive an operating signal from a smart key, sense an inside temperature of the vehicle when the operating signal is transferred and judging whether the inside temperature is deviated from a required temperature range; a comparison process of comparing the inside temperature and a battery temperature when the inside temperature is deviated from the required temperature range; and a control process of controlling heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and an operation of a battery operated fan by comparing the inside temperature and the battery temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Hae Kyu Lim, Yoon Cheol Jeon, Yong Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 8414365
    Abstract: An air intake method and system of an air conditioner for a vehicle may include a temperature measuring step, a speed sensing step, a blower sensing step, and a simultaneous indoor and outdoor air intake step. The air intake system includes a water temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of cooling water of the vehicle, a speed sensor for measuring the speed of the vehicle, a control switch for turning on or off a blower, a control unit and an intake actuator. The control unit receives the temperature measured by the water temperature sensor, the speed measured by the speed sensor and ON/OFF data from the control switch, thus determining whether to simultaneously draw indoor and outdoor air in or not. The intake actuator provides driving force so that an indoor and outdoor air control door simultaneously opens indoor and outdoor air inlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventors: Hoo Taek Cho, Yong Chul Kim
  • Publication number: 20130084790
    Abstract: There are provided a vehicle, a cooling apparatus, and a cooling method. The vehicle includes passenger space to accommodate a user gets, a tank to store the compressed air, and a control unit to release the compressed air stored in the tank into the passenger space. The passenger space is cooled by discharging the compressed air into the passenger space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji FURUSE, Masahiko IKEO, Hideaki MORISHITA, Kentaro KAMEI
  • Publication number: 20130084789
    Abstract: There are provided a vehicle, a cooling apparatus, and a cooling method. The vehicle includes passenger space that accommodates a user, a tank that is capable of storing compressed air, and a control unit to release the compressed air stored in the tank into the passenger space. The control unit controls releasing so as to release part or the whole volume of the compressed air stored in the tank into the passenger space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideaki MORISHITA, Kentaro KAMEI, Kenji FURUSE, Masahiko IKEO
  • Publication number: 20130052929
    Abstract: An air handling system includes a housing, a blower, a sensor, an air intake valve and a controller. The housing includes an outlet to a passenger compartment, a fresh air inlet providing fresh air into the housing and a recirculated air inlet that guides air flow from the passenger compartment into the housing. The blower moves air through the housing. The air intake valve moves between a closed position blocking air flow from the fresh air inlet into the housing and an open position unblocking air flow from the fresh air inlet into the housing. The controller positions the air intake valve relative to the fresh air inlet controlling the flow of fresh air into the housing and thereby maintaining moisture density of the air flow entering the passenger compartment within a prescribed range based on humidity and temperature values from the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Ronald S. Eisenhour
  • Patent number: 8382563
    Abstract: A control module for a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system for a vehicle is disclosed, wherein a cost and a space requirement for the system are minimized and a control of temperature, mode, and volume of an air flow in a passenger compartment of the vehicle is optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eckart Sievers, David Lumley, Jim Nolta, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120315835
    Abstract: An HVAC system provides airflow in a vehicle having a plurality of seating locations in a passenger cabin for respective passengers of the vehicle. The system includes a plurality of outlet vents and a plurality of suction returns disposed at various air return locations adjacent to the seating locations within the vehicle. An air handling unit is in fluid communication between the suction returns and the outlet vents. A plurality of flow control elements are provided, each one in series with at least one respective suction return for selectably modifying a respective flow of the respective suction return in response to a respective flow command. An occupancy determining apparatus identifies one or more seating locations for receiving enhanced airflow. A controller generates the respective flow commands in response to the identified seating locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicants: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC., FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Clay W. Maranville, Christopher M. Greiner, Paul B. Hoke, Michael E. Hesse, Lakhi Goenka, John C. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20120302149
    Abstract: An environmental control system for a battery in a vehicle includes an air intake for receiving ambient air from outside the vehicle. A duct system provides communication between the air intake and the battery. The duct system includes a movable door which can facilitate or inhibit movement of air between the air intake and the battery. An air outlet facilitates air flow from the duct system to the ambient environment outside the vehicle. A fan cooperates with the duct system for moving the air through a heat exchanger in the duct system and across the battery. A control system controls operation of the fan and the movable door, and is configured to determine whether the battery environment requires fresh air or recirculated air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Zhu, Patrick Maguire, Bob Taenaka
  • Publication number: 20120282852
    Abstract: A method of determining an Idle Stop and Go (ISG) ventilation condition may include an ISG restriction early step that calculates an expected external air temperature through modeling using information acquired from a vehicle and execute an ISG logic to determine whether ISG entrance is possible based on a current ventilation condition of the vehicle, an ISG restriction proceeding step that detects an voltage of an air-conditioning system, an ISG restriction ascertaining step that determines whether an ISG entrance condition is satisfied, wherein the ISG entrance condition includes comparing the expected external air temperature through modeling with a specific temperature and the voltage of the air-conditioning system with a specific voltage, and an ISG entrance step that controls an engine by performing the ISG entrance when the ISG entrance condition is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jiyong Yu, Chongah Gwon, Junghwan Bang, Hyungjun Kim
  • Patent number: 8302674
    Abstract: An air conditioning system, which can automatically remove a malodor generated due to condensate water remaining in an evaporator during a predetermined period of time after operation of an air conditioner or turning-off of the air conditioner and control a filtering mode time of a filter to filter an air. The air conditioning system characteristically comprises a shiftable deodorization filter (30 or 40) located on a flow channel of the cool air passageway and operationally moved to a filtering mode position so as to screen the flow channel of the cool air passageway during a predetermined period of time after an air conditioner is turned on or off, whereby the air passing through the cool air passageway C and a malodor contained in the air are filtered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Halla Climate Control Corp.
    Inventors: Jae-Ho Kim, Yong-Jun Jee, Seong-Seok Han
  • Publication number: 20120276831
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and a method of controlling a HVAC system that is configured to provide a perceived comfortable ambient environment to an occupant seated in a vehicle cabin. The system includes a nozzle configured to direct an air stream from the HVAC system to the location of a thermally sensitive portion of the body of the occupant. The system also includes a controller configured to determine an air stream temperature and an air stream flow rate necessary to establish the desired heat supply rate for the sensitive portion and provide a comfortable thermal environment by thermally isolating the occupant from the ambient vehicle cabin temperature. The system may include a sensor to determine the location of the sensitive portion. The nozzle may include a thermoelectric device to heat or cool the air stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: MINGYU WANG, PRASAD S. KADLE, DEBASHIS GHOSH, MARK J. ZIMA, EDWARD WOLFE, IV, TIMOTHY D. CRAIG
  • Publication number: 20120270490
    Abstract: A method of controlling operation of an adjustable shutter in a vehicle includes operating the shutter between and inclusive of fully-opened and fully-closed positions to regulate an amount of ambient air flowing into the vehicle. The shutter is arranged relative to a vehicle grille opening that is adapted for receiving the flow of ambient air. The method also includes sensing via a moisture sensor a level of moisture in the ambient air. The method additionally includes selecting a first predetermined position of the shutter when the level of moisture has reached a threshold moisture value to alter the amount of ambient air flowing into the vehicle through the shutter. A vehicle using a controller to perform such a method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: David Turner, Holly A. Houtman
  • Publication number: 20120264361
    Abstract: A process for improving the quality of air in a vehicle interior is provided in which an air cleaning device is activated during a parked state of the vehicle, and an air freshening device is activated on the basis of a signal for ending the parked state. An apparatus for improving the quality of the air in a vehicle interior is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Volker Scheer, Achim Dr Lindner, Rainer Vogt
  • Publication number: 20120252341
    Abstract: A climate control system includes ducts and a blocking member that regulates airflow through the ducts. An evaporator is disposed within the ducting assembly. The system also includes first and second blowers that blow air across the evaporator into the ducts. Additionally, the system includes a controller that determines a first target airflow to be delivered to a first cabin area, a second target airflow to be delivered to a second cabin area, a total target airflow, and a position for the blocking member. A first percentage of the total target airflow to be delivered by the first blower is defined according to the first target airflow, the second target airflow, and the total target airflow. Moreover, the controller controls the first blower to provide the first percentage of the total target airflow and controls the blocking member to move to the determined one of the plurality of positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Maehata, David Korenchuk, Delomer Gosioco, William Morris
  • Publication number: 20120252340
    Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus for a vehicle cabin has an air-conditioning case defining a plurality of air intake modes. The plurality of air intake modes includes an ambient air intake mode, and a double-layered air intake mode. The double-layered air intake mode supplies ambient air to a front side of the vehicle cabin via a front air passage, and supplies a recirculation air from the vehicle cabin to the rear side of the vehicle cabin via a rear air passage. The controller controls the air-conditioning case to switch the air intake mode from the double-layered air intake mode to the ambient air intake mode, when an evaporator temperature falls below a first threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Gannon, James Stander, Daniel J. DiGasbarro, David A. Korenchuk, Masahide Honda
  • Publication number: 20120252339
    Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus having an electrical controlling unit that is configured to receive a wiper motor signal, and accumulates a wiper signal value based on the wiper motor signal. When the accumulated wiper signal value exceeds a threshold value, the electrical controlling unit stops introducing recirculation airflow in an auto selection mode, until predetermined conditions are satisfied. The air conditioning apparatus may detect rain by the wiper motor signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicants: DENSO CORPORATION, DENSO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Sudha Senthil, Kevin Marrocco
  • Patent number: 8267165
    Abstract: In a vehicular air conditioning apparatus, a connection duct connects a first blower unit having a first blower fan to a side of a casing forming air passages, whereas a second blower unit having a second blower fan, different from the first blower unit, is connected to a lower portion of the casing. By driving the first blower fan and second blower fan simultaneously, air is supplied to a vehicle compartment from the first blower unit and the second blower unit through inside the casing. A controller controls the driving of the first blower fan and the second blower fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignees: Keihin Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyosuke Nanaumi, Mitsufumi Imasawa, Tsunetoshi Kitamura, Junichi Kanemaru, Shinji Kakizaki, Daniel Yelles
  • Patent number: 8262443
    Abstract: A system for distributing air in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, e.g. of a motor vehicle, comprises at least one outlet for the outflow of air in the passenger compartment which can be activated placing a hand at a short distance therefrom without touching it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: C.R.F. Società Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Francesco Butera, Marco Biasiotto, Andrea Perosino, Alessandro Zanella
  • Publication number: 20120214392
    Abstract: A front and rear integrated vehicle HVAC system includes a front HVAC portion with a front blower and a front vent outlet, and a rear HVAC portion with a rear blower and a rear vent outlet. The system includes a controller that determines a minimum voltage to be supplied to the rear blower to prevent an inverse air flow from being expelled from the rear outlet and/or a rear blower air intake. A voltage supplied to the rear blower is then set as the greater of the minimum rear blower voltage and a current rear blower voltage. The inverse air flow is air flow in the front HVAC portion generated by the front blower and intended for the front vent outlet that seeps into the rear HVAC portion and is expelled from the rear vent outlet and/or the rear blower air intake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junichi Kanemaru, Shinji Kakizaki
  • Publication number: 20120210928
    Abstract: A protective device for a boat which is floating in a water or is placed on land and a method of using same are described, the protective device including a top portion which is formed by a cloth-like material and which is bounded by a border area, the border area being arranged to be brought into substantially sealing contact with an adjacent portion in order thereby to provide a space defined by the adjacent portion and the top portion, and the top portion being included at least as part of or being connected to a supporting device to be able to carry at least a portion of the top portion in a distended position, the supporting device being activatable by means of a gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Cato Jansen, Alf Egil Stensen
  • Publication number: 20120202413
    Abstract: An air-conditioning system comprising a vehicle air-conditioner which uses a target blowing-out temperature as the basis to control an air outlet temperature in a cabin and a seat air-conditioning unit which sucks recirculated air into a seat and controls at least the seat air-conditioning air flow per unit time so as to perform seat air-conditioning, wherein the air-conditioning system increases the seat air-conditioning air flow when detecting that the vehicle speed is a predetermined value or less, calculates a correction amount for the target blowing-out temperature considered neutral in warmness sense level for the increased seat air-conditioning air flow, and uses the correction amount as the basis to correct the target blowing-out temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masafumi Kawashima
  • Publication number: 20120196521
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for adjusting nitrogen and oxygen concentrations within regions of an aircraft. The method includes separating nitrogen from ambient air onboard an aircraft thereby establishing a high-concentration nitrogen supply and then dispensing high-concentration nitrogen from the supply to a fire-susceptible, non-habitable region of the aircraft where the high-concentration nitrogen is reservoired thereby decreasing the capability for the atmosphere therein to support combustion. Oxygen is also separated from the ambient air thereby establishing a high-concentration oxygen supply that is dispensed to an occupant cabin of the aircraft thereby increasing the level of oxygen concentration within the cabin to a level greater than the naturally occurring concentration of oxygen at the experienced internal cabin pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Geary